Exuberant Junkanoo Rush on Bay Street after a long hiatus caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Scenes from the dramatic return -- Boxing Day Parade 2022, downtown, Nassau. 

 

Thousands of Bahamians will have more on their holiday table this year, thanks to a generous donation from Royal Caribbean International. 

The cruise line donated 20,000 lbs of fresh bone-in hams and chicken to Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) today. 

“When the news came that Royal Caribbean International was once again going to make the holidays brighter for those who face a shortage of food or outright hunger, we were overjoyed,” said Archdeacon James Palacious, BFN Executive Director.  

A 40-foot refrigerated container packed to the ceiling with holiday meats arrived for the Bahamas Feeding Network, whose management, faced with space challenges for such a large supply, thanked Super Value Food Stores for allowing the container to be kept at one of its facilities with food transported daily to Bahamas Feeding Network’s headquarters on Fox Hill Road where BFN team members and volunteers distributed the food through a network of nearly 100 churches, reaching thousands of congregants.  

Minister of State for Social Services and Urban Development Lisa Rahming was on hand for a special distribution today.  

It was the third time Royal Caribbean International came through with massive donations of food for the holidays, but the first time since a cruise line executive has taken a seat on the board of the non-governmental organization. Royal Caribbean Group Vice President of Government Relations, Americas, Russell Benford was appointed to the board in November.  

“We owe such a debt of gratitude to Royal Caribbean,” said Palacious. “They have been by our side in the fight against hunger for five years, through thick and thin, in Grand Bahama in the aftermath of Dorian in 2019 and all through the COVID pandemic. We cannot begin to express adequately how much we appreciate them or what a difference they are making in the lives of many who are struggling to put food on the table.” 

The cruise line with a 50+-year history of sailing to The Bahamas made its first donation of $25,000 to the network in 2018 and later upped its contribution of food valued at nearly $200,000. In two subsequent years, its contributions doubled to $400,000, making Royal Caribbean the Bahamas Feeding Network’s largest corporate contributor.  

Benford said the organizations have been working together for five years now. 

“This is the third year we provided an extra gift during the time of the holidays of food to the network,” he said. 

“I think, you know, for us as our relationship has grown over time, you know, we’ve gotten to know this organization.” 

BFN has called Royal Caribbean “a true and faithful friend in the fight against hunger,” applauding the company, in particular, for living up to its commitment for support even when ships were forbidden to sail and there was no revenue for the corporation.  

“As they’ve done in the past, again this year, they’re making a significant contribution here at Christmas time to assist in the feeding of many Bahamians who ordinarily would not have had a proper meal this time of the year,” said BFN Chairman Felix Stubbs. 

“Some of you may be aware we’ve been in existence now for 13 years. We’ve been feeding individuals for more, supporting a network of feeding programms so that as many deserving Bahamians are fed a proper meal.” 

The connection between Royal Caribbean and BFN has helped the charity in other ways as well as direct donations – the cruise line treated more than 100 people – BFN volunteers, staff and families -- for a week-long cruise, supported BFN through other donations including free cruises for charity prizes and hosted numerous Fox Hill community events. 

Launched with a handful of churches and a vision of becoming a network through which others could receive the support they needed, BFN has provided more than two million meals in the nine years since its founding in 2013. It currently provides food parcels for 100,000 meals monthly.  

Distribution of the holiday hams and chickens will continue until BFN closes for the holidays on December 22 to give volunteers and staff time with loved ones.  

 

Thousands of Bahamians will have more on their holiday table this year, thanks to a generous donation from Royal Caribbean International.  The cruise line donated 20,000 lbs of fresh bone-in hams and chicken to Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) today.  “When the news came that Royal Caribbean International was once again going to make the holidays brighter for those who face a shortage of food or outright hunger, we were overjoyed,” said Archdeacon James Palacious, BFN Executive Director.   A 40-foot refrigerated container packed to the ceiling with holiday meats arrived for the Bahamas Feeding Network, whose management, faced with space challenges for such a large supply, thanked Super Value Food Stores for allowing the container to be kept at one of its facilities with food transported daily to Bahamas Feeding Network’s headquarters on Fox Hill Road where BFN team members and volunteers distributed the food through a network of nearly 100 churches, reaching thousands of congregants.   Minister of State for Social Services and Urban Development Lisa Rahming was on hand for a special distribution today.   It was the third time Royal Caribbean International came through with massive donations of food for the holidays, but the first time since a cruise line executive has taken a seat on the board of the non-governmental organization. Royal Caribbean Group Vice President of Government Relations, Americas, Russell Benford was appointed to the board in November.   “We owe such a debt of gratitude to Royal Caribbean,” said Palacious. “They have been by our side in the fight against hunger for five years, through thick and thin, in Grand Bahama in the aftermath of Dorian in 2019 and all through the COVID pandemic. We cannot begin to express adequately how much we appreciate them or what a difference they are making in the lives of many who are struggling to put food on the table.”  The cruise line with a 50+-year history of sailing to The Bahamas made its first donation of $25,000 to the network in 2018 and later upped its contribution of food valued at nearly $200,000. In two subsequent years, its contributions doubled to $400,000, making Royal Caribbean the Bahamas Feeding Network’s largest corporate contributor.   Benford said the organizations have been working together for five years now.  “This is the third year we provided an extra gift during the time of the holidays of food to the network,” he said.  “I think, you know, for us as our relationship has grown over time, you know, we’ve gotten to know this organization.”  BFN has called Royal Caribbean “a true and faithful friend in the fight against hunger,” applauding the company, in particular, for living up to its commitment for support even when ships were forbidden to sail and there was no revenue for the corporation.   “As they’ve done in the past, again this year, they’re making a significant contribution here at Christmas time to assist in the feeding of many Bahamians who ordinarily would not have had a proper meal this time of the year,” said BFN Chairman Felix Stubbs.  “Some of you may be aware we’ve been in existence now for 13 years. We’ve been feeding individuals for more, supporting a network of feeding programms so that as many deserving Bahamians are fed a proper meal.”  The connection between Royal Caribbean and BFN has helped the charity in other ways as well as direct donations – the cruise line treated more than 100 people – BFN volunteers, staff and families -- for a week-long cruise, supported BFN through other donations including free cruises for charity prizes and hosted numerous Fox Hill community events.  Launched with a handful of churches and a vision of becoming a network through which others could receive the support they needed, BFN has provided more than two million meals in the nine years since its founding in 2013. It currently provides food parcels for 100,000 meals monthly.   Distribution of the holiday hams and chickens will continue until BFN closes for the holidays on December 22 to give volunteers and staff time with loved ones.  

Many regard the holiday season as themost wonderful time of the year. However, the New Providence Ecology Park (NPEP)staff recently donated hundreds of pounds of food items to the Bahamas FeedingNetwork (BFN), recognizing that for many, even during this festive season, sustainedfood insecurity remains.

Instead of a corporate holiday practice such as secret Santa, NPEPs 65-member teamengaged in a food-donation competition to help others. The group formed teams, andeach week for one month, each team aimed to bring in the most food items for donation.

“Our team members poured themselves into this initiative, many investing up to fiftypercent of their salary in purchasing food items to donate,” shared Jaime Strachan,NPEP HR and Administration Manager. “Everyone was very enthused, and we areincredibly proud of their generosity and genuine concern for the community.”

From bales of rice, grits, and sugar, to cases of canned goods and snacks, the NPEPteam amassed a contribution that Archdeacon James Palacious, BFN ExecutiveDirector describes as “a tremendously big donation that means a whole lot.”

Archdeacon Palacious continued, “It means that some people are serious about helpingto feed others, and we are really grateful for NPEP.”

The holiday season is a stark reminder of the deep need in the community. Holidaycheer and indulgence juxtaposed against the rising cost of living and chronic foodinsecurity experienced by many rallied the NPEP team to action. “We know how toughthings are for many families, and anything we can do to lessen the burden for those whoneed help to prevent someone from going hungry, we are happy to do,” shared NPEPForeman Antoine Joseph.

Since assuming management of the new Providence Landfill in 2018, NPEP has beensystematically working to empower those in need through employment, investments incommunity organizations dedicated to sustainability, youth STEM education, and more.

“At NPEP, our root mission is to better the community. Not only through world-classwaste management but through community building that empowers others,” statedNPEP Chairman Felix Stubbs. “It is encouraging to see that this culture of service haspermeated our team members and we look forward to deepening our roots in thecommunity through service.”

 

Many regard the holiday season as the most wonderful time of the year. However, the New Providence Ecology Park (NPEP) staff recently donated hundreds of pounds of food items to the Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN), recognizing that for many, even during this festive season, sustained food insecurity remains. Instead of a corporate holiday practice such as secret Santa, NPEPs 65-member team engaged in a food-donation competition to help others. The group formed teams, and each week for one month, each team aimed to bring in the most food items for donation. “Our team members poured themselves into this initiative, many investing up to fifty percent of their salary in purchasing food items to donate,” shared Jaime Strachan, NPEP HR and Administration Manager. “Everyone was very enthused, and we are incredibly proud of their generosity and genuine concern for the community.” From bales of rice, grits, and sugar, to cases of canned goods and snacks, the NPEP team amassed a contribution that Archdeacon James Palacious, BFN Executive Director describes as “a tremendously big donation that means a whole lot.” Archdeacon Palacious continued, “It means that some people are serious about helping to feed others, and we are really grateful for NPEP.” The holiday season is a stark reminder of the deep need in the community. Holiday cheer and indulgence juxtaposed against the rising cost of living and chronic food insecurity experienced by many rallied the NPEP team to action. “We know how tough things are for many families, and anything we can do to lessen the burden for those who need help to prevent someone from going hungry, we are happy to do,” shared NPEP Foreman Antoine Joseph. Since assuming management of the new Providence Landfill in 2018, NPEP has been systematically working to empower those in need through employment, investments in community organizations dedicated to sustainability, youth STEM education, and more. “At NPEP, our root mission is to better the community. Not only through world-class waste management but through community building that empowers others,” stated NPEP Chairman Felix Stubbs. “It is encouraging to see that this culture of service has permeated our team members and we look forward to deepening our roots in the community through service.”

CBS Bahamas, the largest home improvement retailer in The Bahamas, continued its annual tradition of giving to the Ranfurly Home for Children (Ranfurly Home) during this holiday season.

The initiative that started over 15 years ago, after being inspired by a program with one of the company's leading vendors, has now grown into a major Christmas event anticipated by both CBS staff and Ranfurly Home children and administrators.

During the day of giving, usually a team from CBS Bahamas visits the Ranfurly Home bringing trees, decorations, lunch, and a special giant Christmas stocking filled with gifts for the children. The team then decorates three Christmas trees, the entrance of the building and the courtyard. However, this year CBS Bahamas was able to provide extra Christmas cheer with individual gifts for each child and a fleet of bicycles.

Brent Burrows Sr., vice president of CBS Bahamas, shared how the initiative has blossomed over the years into a full day of giving.

Burrows said, "A long time ago, one of our main vendors, Orgill, started a program where they sent a huge stocking that we used in the store for promotions. When we saw it, we decided that this would be ideal to have and to order an extra one to give to the Ranfurly Home. That was at least 15 to 20 years ago that we started that. The initiative has grown over the years to now we are here decorating the home, and bringing lots and lots of presents for the kids. We just enjoy doing it because it is our little way of giving back during the holiday season. We also give back to the Ranfurly Home on a regular basis, all during the year we support the Ranfurly Home, it is our favorite charity."

Braniska Bullard, brand ambassador for the Ranfurly Home, expressed gratitude to the CBS team for its contributions to the home and shared why this form of giving is extra special to her.

Bullard said, "It means so much to have CBS here with us today. Walking around and seeing the kids, the smile on their faces, they are super excited. All of the bikes are setup on the patio and they are all asking, 'Ms. Braniska, when can we use the bikes?' That means a lot because as a former resident, growing up in the children's home, Ranfurly and three of the other homes, I know how this time feels. Seeing the number of people that came today who cared and decided to say, you know, I am thinking of y’all this holiday and wanting to make it special for them by decorating the trees and making the home look festive, which plays a tremendous part in their mood. Then fellowshiping with a meal and bringing them gifts for Christmas, of course, is exciting for kids but to see them have that means a lot because I know what it meant for me when I was a kid too."

While explaining the difference in this year's donations compared to previous years, Shawn Gabrielle Gomez, marketing director of CBS Bahamas, also encouraged corporate partnership as the initiative continues to grow.

"The biggest difference with this year's donation is that we made sure to make each child feel special with individual gifts. Usually we decorate, provide food and donate the giant stocking that is filled with toys and goodies for the children. However, we received a wish list from the home that consisted of gift options from each child and decided to provide one gift option for them. We know how exciting it is seeing your name on a gift under a Christmas tree and we wanted to ensure that they were able to experience that joy this year," Gomez said. "Those gifts along with the donation of 12 bicycles has the children so excited it is the best thing to see. We hope to be able to provide that same joy next year and the years to come.”

She continued, “Hopefully, through corporate partnerships next year we will be able to bring more than one gift option for each child and turn the home into a mini winter wonderland for them, that's our new goal. We welcome any private partners that want to join us as we continue to share Christmas cheer with the Ranfurly Home. For us this is important work. Our tagline for CBS Bahamas is “build beautiful” and when we say that we mean not only at home but in our communities too. This initiative and all of the community donations, sponsorships and events that we participate in throughout the year are a part of our core values and is us executing our mission to support the communities that have supported us for the past 49 years."

Commonwealth Building Supplies Ltd. is the parent company of CBS Bahamas, Aluminum Fabricators, Ltd., and the new CBS PROstore dedicated to giving Bahamian contractors and industry professionals the best value in The Bahamas. Founded in 1973, CBS Bahamas is the largest home improvement retailer in the country, providing Bahamians with everything they need to build beautiful. 

 

CBS Bahamas, the largest home improvement retailer in The Bahamas, continued its annual tradition of giving to the Ranfurly Home for Children (Ranfurly Home) during this holiday season. The initiative that started over 15 years ago, after being inspired by a program with one of the company's leading vendors, has now grown into a major Christmas event anticipated by both CBS staff and Ranfurly Home children and administrators. During the day of giving, usually a team from CBS Bahamas visits the Ranfurly Home bringing trees, decorations, lunch, and a special giant Christmas stocking filled with gifts for the children. The team then decorates three Christmas trees, the entrance of the building and the courtyard. However, this year CBS Bahamas was able to provide extra Christmas cheer with individual gifts for each child and a fleet of bicycles. Brent Burrows Sr., vice president of CBS Bahamas, shared how the initiative has blossomed over the years into a full day of giving. Burrows said, "A long time ago, one of our main vendors, Orgill, started a program where they sent a huge stocking that we used in the store for promotions. When we saw it, we decided that this would be ideal to have and to order an extra one to give to the Ranfurly Home. That was at least 15 to 20 years ago that we started that. The initiative has grown over the years to now we are here decorating the home, and bringing lots and lots of presents for the kids. We just enjoy doing it because it is our little way of giving back during the holiday season. We also give back to the Ranfurly Home on a regular basis, all during the year we support the Ranfurly Home, it is our favorite charity." Braniska Bullard, brand ambassador for the Ranfurly Home, expressed gratitude to the CBS team for its contributions to the home and shared why this form of giving is extra special to her. Bullard said, "It means so much to have CBS here with us today. Walking around and seeing the kids, the smile on their faces, they are super excited. All of the bikes are setup on the patio and they are all asking, 'Ms. Braniska, when can we use the bikes?' That means a lot because as a former resident, growing up in the children's home, Ranfurly and three of the other homes, I know how this time feels. Seeing the number of people that came today who cared and decided to say, you know, I am thinking of y’all this holiday and wanting to make it special for them by decorating the trees and making the home look festive, which plays a tremendous part in their mood. Then fellowshiping with a meal and bringing them gifts for Christmas, of course, is exciting for kids but to see them have that means a lot because I know what it meant for me when I was a kid too." While explaining the difference in this year's donations compared to previous years, Shawn Gabrielle Gomez, marketing director of CBS Bahamas, also encouraged corporate partnership as the initiative continues to grow. "The biggest difference with this year's donation is that we made sure to make each child feel special with individual gifts. Usually we decorate, provide food and donate the giant stocking that is filled with toys and goodies for the children. However, we received a wish list from the home that consisted of gift options from each child and decided to provide one gift option for them. We know how exciting it is seeing your name on a gift under a Christmas tree and we wanted to ensure that they were able to experience that joy this year," Gomez said. "Those gifts along with the donation of 12 bicycles has the children so excited it is the best thing to see. We hope to be able to provide that same joy next year and the years to come.” She continued, “Hopefully, through corporate partnerships next year we will be able to bring more than one gift option for each child and turn the home into a mini winter wonderland for them, that's our new goal. We welcome any private partners that want to join us as we continue to share Christmas cheer with the Ranfurly Home. For us this is important work. Our tagline for CBS Bahamas is “build beautiful” and when we say that we mean not only at home but in our communities too. This initiative and all of the community donations, sponsorships and events that we participate in throughout the year are a part of our core values and is us executing our mission to support the communities that have supported us for the past 49 years." Commonwealth Building Supplies Ltd. is the parent company of CBS Bahamas, Aluminum Fabricators, Ltd., and the new CBS PROstore dedicated to giving Bahamian contractors and industry professionals the best value in The Bahamas. Founded in 1973, CBS Bahamas is the largest home improvement retailer in the country, providing Bahamians with everything they need to build beautiful.